2002 Sable Issue

There is a tech bulliten that may cover your symtoms exactly. It is as follows:
3.0L 2V GAS AND FFV - BUCK/JERK AND MISS DURING DRIVE CYCLE ABOVE 3000
RPM - NO DTC
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
Reference Number(s): 05-22-12, Date of Issue: November 14, 2005
Related Ref Number(s): 05-22-12
ARTICLE BEGINNING
DESCRIPTION
BUCK/JERK AND MISS DURING DRIVE CYCLE ABOVE 3000 RPM - NO DTC - 3.0L 2V GAS
AND FFV ENGINE
ISSUE
Some 2000-2003 Taurus, Sable, Ranger vehicles equipped with a 3.0L 2-valve gas or FFV engine
may exhibit a buck*****/miss during drive cycles above 3000 RPM with no diagnostic trouble codes
(DTC's). A possible cause is the camshaft synchronizer assembly. Since the camshaft position (CMP)
fault monitor is not active above 2500 RPM, no diagnostic trouble code (P0340) is set during the
drive concern, thus making it difficult to diagnose the root cause component.
ACTION
Use an NGS to identify whether or not the synchronizer is the causal component. Refer to the
following Service Procedure.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
1. Select PID database.
2. Select "Fuel Priority" PID database.
3. Select KS1 and RPM PID's.
4. Capture data during drive symptom.
5. Using graph mode, display KS1 and RPM.
6. Look for knock errors which can be identified by rapidly rising peaks which correlate with
drops in RPM (Fig. 1 ).
7. If the synchronizer assembly needs to be replaced, follow the appropriate model year
Workshop Manual, Section 303-14, Electronic Engine Controls, Camshaft Synchronizer - 3.0L
(2V) Removal and Installation procedure.
PARTS INFORMATION
Press Ctrl+F to find exact text
FORD:
2000-2003 Taurus, Ranger
MERCURY:2000-2003 Sable
PARTS INFORMATION
Fig. 1: Example: Actual NGS Display During High RPM Buck/Jerk Synchronizer Event
ADDITIONAL TIPS
The knock sensor PID does not use a specific unit (although the NGS displays a "V" after the
numeric, it does not denote volts), the value displayed is strictly a number used to determine knock
status by the strategy. Typically, the number will be between 25 and 125 with no fault or knock
detected across the RPM range.
When the synchronizer fault occurs, the knock will increase rapidly, in most cases to its limit of
1023, but depending on the severity of the event, can range from the low hundreds to the 1023 limit.
The key to identifying the synchronizer issue is the knock PID near or reaching the 1023 limit. In
most cases of engine miss, detonation, etc. The knock will increase, but not reach 1023. Also note, if
the CMP sensor is disconnected (open circuit fault), the knock PID is not updated and the value of
the PID will be set to the 1023 limit.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage
And Emissions Warranty Coverage.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
DEALER CODING
Part Number
Part Name
F8DZ-12A362-AA
Synchronizer Assembly
Operation
Description
Time
052212A
2000-2003 Ranger 3.0L MFI: Perform Diagnostics
As Stated In Service Procedure, Then Replace The
Synchronizer Assembly (Do Not Use With 12362P,
12650D, 12650D81, 12650D60)
1.2 Hrs.
052212B
2000-2003 Taurus, Sable 3.0L MFI: Perform
Diagnostics As Stated In Service Procedure, Then
Replace The Synchronizer Assembly (Do Not Use
With 12362P, 12650D, 12650D81, 12650D60)
1.4 Hrs.
Basic Part No.
Condition Code
12A362
42
If you can check the rpm and knock sensor graphs while driving as it does it's thing!

Let me know.